Survey of caries prevalance and intensity in children

Abstract

Introduction. This survey was determined by the high incidence of dental caries, its severity, local and general complications that are caused. Harndt defines dental caries as a chronic destructive process that occurs without any inflammatory signs, generating dental tissue necrosis, and in the end, pulp and periodontal tissue inflammation. As the dental pulp is infected, it opens a gate for the microorganisms and toxins to the entire body. Dental caries, a chronic disease with insidious evolution, causes frequent pulpar and periodontal septical complications, spread of the infection in the near-by regions, triggering and maintaning different systemic diseases, the reason why Pickerill called it the disease of modern society. Aim of the study. Evaluation of the frequency and intensity of dental caries in children during the prophylactic examination. Materials and methods. The survey was conducted among 224 subjects from ”Mihail Bârcă” Highschool, from Mileștii Mici, Ialoveni, aged 7 to 15, average age of 9,64±0,14. The total sample size comprised 119 boys (53,12%) and 105 girls (46,88 %). The examination was made according to WHO practice, by direct and indirect inspection with a dental mirror. The results and observations were recorded in dental charts (Blanck 0/43e). Results. During the examination of 224 subjects, the presence of dental caries was determined in 194 subjects, accounting 86,6% from the total number. The DMF index of dental caries was determined as 4,28±0,17. Conclusions. 1. Prevalance of dental caries in the surveyed children is high, being 86,6%. 2. Intensity of dental caries in the surveyed children is average, being4,28±0,17.